LEVERAGING THE POWER OF ICTs FOR ENHANCED LEARNING EXPERIENCE WITHIN A SCIENCE LEARNING CONTEXT
VIRTUAL LABS
Virtual labs are interactive online laboratories incorporating simulations,animations and illustrations for conducting science experiments and investigations. These labs can be accessible through internet connectivity to any school in spite of its geographical location. The interactive nature and visual appeal of the virtual labs stimulate learners' curiosity and engage their senses in ways unimaginable.
Studies reveal that students' interest in Science has heightened in educational settings where the traditional science lab model has been replaced with virtual labs. Not only do research point to students enrollment in science having escalated, but also show improved academic performances. Institutions of higher learning across many parts of the world are harnessing online virtual labs for imparting scientific concepts, designing experiments and conducting investigations. Considering that virtual labs are inexpensive, it means reduction of staff, minimal face to face interactions between the lecturers and students. This optimises collaboration, information sharing within virtual spaces, self-regulated and self-directed learning.
The course spans five weeks in which you will be introduced to a variety of themes. It is envisaged the learning and engagement process will enable you to gain new insights, share your past experiences and knowledge and enhance your professional development. The course overview outlines the themes and the duration.
Aims To be able to
enhance the incorporation of technology into teaching and learning
introduce effective ways of teaching science concepts across all schools
improve educational outcomes in science
Learning outcomes At the end of this course you must be able to:
Research, evaluate, synthesise and evaluate information
Think critically, work independently and collaboratively
Analyse, interpret and solve problems
Apply ICT competencies to incorporate it within the scientific method
Conduct science experiments with virtual labs
Goals To be able to:
Arouse interest of participants in virtual lab technology solutions
Enthuse participants to use technology to their advantage without being constrained geographical location or time.
Enhance the teaching methodologies of teachers
Course Structure
Week 1: Session 1 : Introduction to virtual labs, historical development, uses and advantages
VIRTUAL LABS BY TSHEPO MOTSHAISA (201465327)
LEVERAGING THE POWER OF ICTs FOR ENHANCED LEARNING EXPERIENCE WITHIN A SCIENCE LEARNING CONTEXT
VIRTUAL LABS
Virtual labs are interactive online laboratories incorporating simulations,animations and illustrations for conducting science experiments and investigations. These labs can be accessible through internet connectivity to any school in spite of its geographical location. The interactive nature and visual appeal of the virtual labs stimulate learners' curiosity and engage their senses in ways unimaginable.Studies reveal that students' interest in Science has heightened in educational settings where the traditional science lab model has been replaced with virtual labs. Not only do research point to students enrollment in science having escalated, but also show improved academic performances. Institutions of higher learning across many parts of the world are harnessing online virtual labs for imparting scientific concepts, designing experiments and conducting investigations. Considering that virtual labs are inexpensive, it means reduction of staff, minimal face to face interactions between the lecturers and students. This optimises collaboration, information sharing within virtual spaces, self-regulated and self-directed learning.
Course overview
The course spans five weeks in which you will be introduced to a variety of themes. It is envisaged the learning and engagement process will enable you to gain new insights, share your past experiences and knowledge and enhance your professional development. The course overview outlines the themes and the duration.
Aims
To be able to
Learning outcomes
At the end of this course you must be able to:
Goals
To be able to:
Course Structure
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT WILL BE ADMINISTERED AT THE END OF SESSION 5. A PORTFOLIO OF EVIDENCE WILL BE COMPILED AND PRESENTED ONLINE